Love in the Time of Cholera (2007) Review

The 2007 film adaptation of the novel by Nobel Prize winning Author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Love In The Time Of Cholera, is a noble, but ultimately unsatisfying, attempt to capture the epic scope and passion of the widely acclaimed novel. Set in South America in the late 1800's, this film succeeds more as a sumptuous period drama, than an epic romance, due to lack of character development and bland storytelling.

In the early scenes of the film, a young man of limited means, Florentino (Unax Ugalde) falls in love at first sight, with a beautiful young girl, Fermina (Giovanna Mezzogiorno). Her disapproving father (John Leguzamo), does everything possible to discourage the romance, hoping for a more lucrative match for his daughter. His dreams come true, when Fermina is treated for a suspected case of cholera, by a handsome young doctor (Benjamin Bratt), who is smitten with her beauty. The two eventually marry, much to the dismay of a brokenhearted Florentino. He vows to wait for Fermina until her husband's death, but soon falls victim to a series of ill-fated romances and meaningless sexual encounters, until he is finally given a second chance to fulfill his desire for Fermina, fifty years later, upon the death of her husband.

The story is told in flashback style, with the death of Fermina's husband, and her rejection of Florentino's attention. The mystery of their relationship unravels slowly during the remainder of the film. The plot develops so slowly, in fact, that even the most patient viewer, is likely to become frustrated with the film's deliberate pacing. However, the lush cinematography and breathtaking panoramic views of the South American landscape, and elegant soundtrack by Shakira, make up, to some degree for the film's ponderous length.

Javier Badem delivers a strong performance as the older Florentino, portraying his character with gentle charm and sensitivity. Giovanna Mezzogiorno is a bit unconvincing as Fermina due to the fact that she lacks the fire and passion necessary to justify Florentino's romantic obsession. John Leguizamo's performance as Fermina's father is a bit overplayed, while Hector Elizando adds a spirited performance as Florentino's uncle.

Similar in plot and theme to The Painted Veil, this film promises much more than it delivers. The epic romance loses it's appeal, due to lack of character development and  exhaustive length (138 minutes.) The ending is a bit predictable, and those with the patience to sit through the entire film, will be rewarded, but with a somewhat uneasy feeling that the story could have much more powerful and satisfying with more passion and less pageantry.